ES1059734U - Measuring device for controlling the rigging of a sailing boat. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Measuring device (10) for controlling the rigging of a sailboat, characterized in that it comprises means for measuring the extension (32) which are designed to be fixed to a forestay (21). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Measuring device for the control of rigging of a sailboat.

The present invention relates to a device of measurement for the control of the rigging of a sailboat.

Background of the invention

The patent US-6,543,296 describes an estate. The estay is attached to a sailboat by a tensioner. The force in this stand is measured by an strain gauge that It is arranged on the tensioner. Gauge Elongation Measurement extensometric is an indication of the force that is applied to the tensor.

A disadvantage of this known fact is that only The force applied to the tensioner is measured. Although you can assume that the force applied at the stand is equal to the force at the tensioner, this does not provide a reliable indication of the own behavior of the estay. As a result, it is possible that a It can break without a force being measured on the tensioner that has given some indication of a possible breakage. A break this is the case, for example, as a result of a decrease in localized section or stay wear, which arise, for example, as a result of variable loads over a period of time prolonged or by large loads, forming said decrease in section a relatively weak point, and that therefore breaks with lower loads than expected. A similar effect is observed. when he suffers damage located outside, for example because another part of the sailboat has hit the stand or has brushed against him. It is also possible that he is suffering a plastic elongation (stretching) when subject to a Charge for an extended period of time. This is also not detected by the prior art method. In addition, the relatively large sailboats are generally not equipped with tensioners, so that the known method cannot be applied in these boats.

Description of the invention

The invention relates to a device of Measurement to control the rigging of a sailboat. He measuring device comprises means for measuring the elongation that are designed to be fixed to an estate.

In one embodiment, the means for measurement of the elongation also comprise a data connection that connect the measuring means to a process unit.

Particularly, it is designed to move on to through the mast of the sailboat. This offers the advantage of data connection is less vulnerable and doesn't have to happen to what along the railings of the sailboat.

More particularly, the process unit is programmed to convert the measured elongation into a force. While there is no permanent extension of the farm, the extension of the stand, in combination with its modulus of elasticity and its section, can be converted to a value of the applied force. This has the advantage that you get an idea of the strength applied to the farm during use.

In one embodiment, the measuring device It is provided with a data storage unit. Through the storage of the measured data and any calculated data, it is possible to analyze the load of the farm in a period prolonged time, for example by observing loads high and cyclic loads.

In a particular embodiment the device of measurement is provided with a data transmission unit wireless This allows the transmission of the measured data and any data calculated from the sailboat to a unit of ground reception. A reception unit of this type can be located, for example, in an insurance company, a classification society, a government institution, or a agency that processes the data for use in calculations for the New rig design. The measured data and any data calculated can be used on land to determine if They are taking irresponsible risks aboard the sailing ship. The wireless transmission makes possible, for example, keep the charges that are being carried out or have been carried to held in a recent period, aboard the sailing ship.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention, referring to the attached drawing, in the which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a large sailboat;

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal view of a backstay;

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the estate according to line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the end of the stand according to Fig. 2.

Description of a preferred embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a large sailboat, also known as superyacht, which is indicated entirely by reference number 1. A mast 3 is positioned in a hull 2. Additionally, sailboat 1 is equipped with rig 4 comprising several stays in addition to the candles and pets (not shown). Due to the symmetry between starboard and port faces, only stays will be described in one side of the sailboat 1. Attached to the mast 3 is a crosshead 5 that extends substantially at right angles with respect to the mast 3 in the transverse direction.

A vertical stand 6, also referred to as IV, goes from the deck, on the outside of the helmet, to the end of the crosshead 5 that is further from the mast. A diagonal 7, also referred to as D1, it also goes from the deck, in the outside of the hull, to a point along the mast 3 near the crosshead mounting point 5. A second vertical stand 8 and a second diagonal 9 run from cross 5 to another cross (no shown). The number of crossheads and therefore the number of pairs of vertical and diagonal stays depends on the height of the mast and of the maximum length of the stays. One last state goes from the highest crosshead not shown) to the top of the mast. He Mast 3 may also be provided with a previous stand and / or later. Additionally, the sailboat 1 may be provided with several masts, each of which may be provided with a plurality of stays.

Stays 6, 7, 8 and 9 comprise means for the measurement of elongation, which are shown and described in greater detail referring to Figs. 2-4. The Stays and other rig components that have not been shown they can also comprise means for measuring the elongation.

Fig. 1 further shows a device for measurement 10, comprising means for measuring elongation of the stays, as well as a process unit 11, a unit of process and storage 12, a monitoring unit 13 and siren-shaped alarm means 14. The means for measurement of the extension of stays 6 and 7 are connected to the unit 11 via data connections 16. Fig. 1 shows schematically the plurality of said data connections that may be present for the means for measuring the lengthening in several stays and any measuring point on board of the ship 11.

The primary measurement signals are transformed in digital signals in process unit 11 by means of a analog / digital converter. The processed measurement signals are transferred to a process and storage unit 12. The unit of process 12 is programmed so that the measurement signals processed are transformed into force values using the properties of known materials, such as the modulus of elasticity and the longitudinal section of the stays. The calculated forces of This mode is compared to the default standard values. Depending on the relationship between the calculated values and the values standard, is user generates the information. In this way, the monitoring unit 13, which is a computer monitor in the Fig. 1, although it can also be a color LED display, Indicates for each stay if it is subject to a safe, heavy or Very dangerous through colors. When a value is exceeded potentially dangerous, you can also trigger a signal of siren alarm 14.

The measured force and elongation values and calculated are also stored in the process unit and 12. Additionally, data on the Navigation behavior can be stored in this unit 12. With this objective, the storage process unit 12 is connected to an on-board computer. This on-board computer receive, among other things, navigation data (speed and heading) from a slide 18 or a GPS system (not shown), data from acceleration from an x-y-g meter 19 on mast 3, and data related to strength and direction of wind from an anemometer. The anemometer has not been illustrated in the figure. The figure, however, illustrates the connection of the on-board computer, using the meter x-y-g 19, to the anemometer located more up on the mast 3. The meter x-y-g 19 measures the acceleration in longitudinal (x-) and transverse (-y) direction.

In order to avoid misuse of data stored, only one user can use the data A specific security element. Said security element it can consist, for example, in an alphanumeric code to enter by the user, a digital code, which is stored in a reading unit (not shown), or features User biometrics or authorized users.

The measured and / or calculated data can be transmit wirelessly via a transmission unit and an antenna 20. In the example shown, the transmission unit it is integrated with the process and storage unit 12, but it can also be a separate transmission unit, such as a transmission unit that was already present on board for others purposes If an external transmission unit is used, it will be supply data from the process and storage unit 12, and is attached to an antenna 20. The wireless transmission of data cargo measured on board can also be used independently of other aspects of the invention, and offers by itself advantages over the state of the art.

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal view schematic of a stand 21. This stand 21 may be one of the Stays 6, 7, 8, 9 illustrated or other component of rig 4. The part of the stand 21 that absorbs the forces comprises a plurality of plastic fibers 22, particularly poly (p-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO). The PBO has the advantage of which can withstand very high tensions, with a weight relatively low The stand 21 may be attached to the cover of the hull 2, crosshead 5 and / or mast 3 by two elements of fixing, a first fixing eye 25 and a second eye 26 of fixing, using a notched joint. Estay 21 extends between the two fasteners 26, 26, in line substantially straight.

The plastic fibers 22 are rolled around the two fixing eyes 25, 26, with their directions longitudinal parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stay. The rolled fibers form an endless loop, comprising a first branch 27 and a second branch 28. As if it were a loop without Finally, the first branch 27 and the second branch 28 are in fact the same, although in section, as the section according to line III - III (Fig. 3), it seems that there are two branches that form a plastic cable 29. Because the material used is plastic and because fasteners 25, 26 have been incorporated into the loop of 22 plastic fibers, a stay of this type has good resistance properties. These properties of Estay 21 can be  also apply advantageously independently of others aspects of the invention.

Fixing eyes 25 and 26 are provided with elements 30, 31 for receiving means for measuring the elongation, such as optical fiber, particularly fiber glass 32. Fiberglass 32 extends from the first receiving element 30 in the first fixing eye 25 until the second receiving element 31 in the second fixing eye 26. A connection cable 33 runs from the first end of the fiber optic 32, in the area of the first fixing eye 25, being able to said cable being operatively connected to a data connection 16 (Fig. 1).

This is provided over its entire length of a metal cover 39 comprising a metal cover with tube shape, or sleeve 40. The metal sleeve 40 surrounds the branches 27 and 28 of plastic fiber 22. The metal sleeve 40 ends in the vicinity of fixing eyes 25 and 26. The cover metallic 39 also comprises a first piece 41 and a second piece 42. These pieces 41 and 42 are slidably attached to the metal sleeve 40 tightly by using a rubber sealing ring or flexible adhesive 43 and 44, respectively. The union of covers 41 and 42 to the sleeve metallic 40 is slidable to prevent the metal cover 39 be thrown by the pieces in case the fibers 22 are Spread over a load.

As for the sealed seal, the seawater or other unwanted external influences cannot act on the plastic fibers 22. Additionally, the metal cover 39 protects the plastic fibers 22 against the effects of light from the sun and against wear and lateral load to other parts of the ship, such as the boom or rig 4. Seen in section, the metallic sleeve 40 has an oval shape, with the longest axis of the oval section extending substantially in the direction longitudinal of the ship 1. The oval section is advantageous from the aerodynamic point of view, as well as for its resistance. A Boom of the boat that is supported on the stand and can exercise a considerable lateral force Taking into account the orientation of the section of the metallic sleeve 40, the latter will absorb said strength in its strongest direction.

The metal used for cover 39 will be preferably stainless steel, since it is capable of supporting salt water effects and gives the stays an appearance shimmering. However, the use of others will also be possible metals, metal alloys, anodized metals, and metals coated, such as coatings made of other materials hard or rigid, such as hard plastic.

Preferably, the cover is reflective. Through reflection, a substantial part of the light is reflected of the sun. This reduces the heating of the estay, compared to covers of another color or white. With cover metallic, a very good reflective surface can be obtained polishing the surface. This achieves a coefficient of absorption of approximately 0.08. The absorption coefficient of An unpolished or slightly oxidized metal is approximately 0.3. A cover with this absorption coefficient remains preferable to a white painted cover, which has a absorption coefficient of approximately 0.8.

With a cover of material other than metal, a metal layer can be metallized by vacuum in the part outside of the cover to obtain a reflective surface. A metal layer, for example a metal sheet, or a layer vacuum metallized, can also be applied on the surface inside of a transparent sheet, which is applied on the cover. In this way, the metal layer is protected by the transparent sheet

The use of such a cover, in particular a reflective cover, around the stand made of plastic fibers, can also offer advantages in comparison with the state of the art, regardless of the others aspects of the invention.

During use, a pulse of light is generated, by example a laser light, in the fiber optic by a light source (not shown) at regular time intervals. This pulse of light is propagates from the first end of the fiber optic 32, in the position of the first fixing eye 25, at the second end of the fiber optic 32, in the position of the second fixing eye 26. In this second end, the pulse of light is reflected and returns in opposite direction. In the position of the first fixing eye 25, or at another known point along the fiberglass 32, the Light pulse is detected by a light detector (not shown). He time detected between the pulse of light being generated and the pulse of reflected light that is being detected is a measure of the  Current length of the farm 21.

Estay 21 can be stretched by a load. How the optical fiber 32 extends from the first fixing eye 25 to the second fixing eye 26, the extension of the stand is moves to an elongation of the fiber optic 32. The distance to go through the pulse of light is consequently greater and therefore  so is the time elapsed until the light pulse reflected is detected. The difference between this time and time Detection in load-free state is a measure of extension of the stand 21. The length or elongation data obtained in this way are transmitted to the process unit 11 via connection cable 33 and data connection 16, and there they are converted into digital data that can be processed further go ahead for the process unit 12.

In an alternative measurement procedure, the Fiber optic elongation 32 is measured by a mirror Selective wavelength, like a Bragg Grating, which is present in fiber optic 32, and reflects light with a length specific wave Said Bragg Grating (not shown) is made by lighting the fiber optic core 32 with a Intense UV laser light pattern. Such UV laser light damages locally the structure of the fiber optic 32, changing the local index of refraction. Depending on the pattern that has been applied to the fiber optics 32, and material properties, light with a length specific wave will be reflected, while the light with substantially other wavelengths will propagate mostly uninterruptedly.

The wavelength of the reflected light will depend also of the temperature and stretch of the fiber optic 32. Sending light to fiber optic 32, with a range of lengths wave, can be determined from the wavelength of the reflected light which is the stretch of the fiber optic 32. By Of course, the range of emitted wavelengths is chosen from so that the wavelengths that will be reflected by the Bragg Grating under potential conditions of stretching and temperature, are within this range.

A preferred procedure for observing the reflected wavelength comprises the emission of light pulses narrow band with wavelength differences between them one after the other. How is it known how much time has passed since a pulse of reflected light returns, it is only necessary to detect when the pulse of reflected light is received. This can lead to out using a simple detector photodiode. From this one moment, you can know what pulse of light has been reflected, and so so much what was the wavelength of this pulse, without taking into reality that measure this wavelength.

An alternative procedure for observation of reflected wavelength, includes the emission of a pulse of light with a broad spectrum, and the following length analysis of reflected light wave. This analysis can be performed. by means of a spectrometer, or an inclined optical filter.

The fiber optic area 32 with the Bragg Grating it can be any area along the optical fiber 32, between the first and second fixing eye, 25, 26. As the optical fiber 23 expands and contracts homogeneously between the first and the second fixing eye 25, 26, this measurement is a reliable measure of the elongation of all the optical fiber 32, and therefore of substantially all of this 21. This is an advantageous difference with the local measurement of stand 21 itself, since stand 21 could actually have a stretch behavior that vary along the length of stand 21.

It is also possible to calculate the force that apply the stand from the elongation data obtained from this form in the manner described above.

With the passage of time, there may be a reaction elastic, which means that stand 21 is lengthened by being subjected to a load in a prolonged time, keeping said elongation even when the load is removed. As a result, the process unit 12 will detect an elongation of the growing state at a slow average. Process unit 12 can compensate for this elongation determining the average length of stand 21 over a large number of charge cycles at any time in the past. The process unit 12 can also compensate for the reaction effect elastic at a given time when the elastic reaction is subject to permanent charges. In this way, a user can determine a calibration when the sailboat is anchored or in a port, or the process unit can automatically detect that the ship is stopped because it does not detect acceleration by x-y-g meter 19.

In addition, the process unit 12 can compensate the effects that temperature has on the properties of fiber optic material 32. To this end, a detector 50 is connected to the process unit 12. A heat detector of this type is not necessary if you have a reference cable for each 21 is in the form of an additional optical fiber that is rolled up and arranged in a housing near the cable Connection. A reference signal is passed through the cable reference similar to the light pulse in the optical fiber 32 for measuring elongation at stand 21. As the cable reference is also affected by its temperature so that the optical fiber 32 for measuring elongation, the Required compensation temperature can be determined.

Preferably only the personnel of a standardized information board. Standardized means that the User can see the extent of the load for each stay individual. In this context, for example, you can use a scale that goes from "safe" to "very dangerous". The level of "very dangerous" load in this case means that the respective Estay is about to break. The load level under this level, for example the "dangerous" level can mean that a variable load at this level for a prolonged period of Time may lead in the same way to the breakage of the estate. Be can emit an acoustic alarm signal by siren 14 if a default load level has been exceeded in one of the Stays

A stakeholder on land, for example a insurance company or a classification society, can be provided online or periodically with the data obtained, by example the measured elongation data, the calculated forces, and / or other data, such as data on the behavior of navigation. This data can be used to determine if the staff is acting responsibly when the rig 4 of ship 1 to a load. Whenever the data shows that this is the case, any damage that could occur will be Covered by insurance. Instead, it could be part of the policy conditions the fact that if a load level specific is overcome to some extent or with certain frequency, and some damage is caused to the rig, the rest of the ship and / or the personnel, Don't be covered again.

The calculated and / or measured data can broadcast continuously, for example online, or periodically using a transmitter and antenna 20. In this case, you can use any communication equipment (by satellite) that is present on board. Alternatively, the data can also be read from the process and storage unit 12 when the ship is in a port and / or when the ship has been damaged and is on a repair dock, for example, or at the bottom of the sea. In In the latter case, it should be noted that it must be ensured that all process and storage unit 12, or a unit of separate storage from the latter, is arranged so that be able to resist the effects of sea water and high pressures This would be similar to the way the well-known boxes Black on board airplanes are equipped.

The elongation and force data stored They can also be used by sailboat designers to optimize the rigging dimensions of sailboats. These data can be used, for example, if the rigging of a ship Already built candle has to be replaced. This data is also  can generalize so that they are also appropriate as data of design for new sailboats to build.

Several variants of the embodiment shown at example are possible, all of them being within the scope of the invention. In this way, the optical fiber can be incorporated on a branch of the estay. To this end, the optical fiber is rolled with plastic fibers, for example half a turn (once from the first fixing element to the second fixing element), but it can also be rolled a certain number of times. He elongation can also be measured over a shorter part of the Estay length, for example using an strain gauge. This will be desirable for stays where they are known to have a relatively weak zone. In the case of the so-called rigs of rod, for example, this is the transition zone from the stand rod-shaped projection used as an element of fixation.

Additionally, several means are possible alternatives for measuring elongation for fiber glass illustrated and described, like other types of optical fibers, a metallic extension cable, or telemetry in which provides a transmitter at the first end of a stand and a receiver at the second end of a stand (or vice versa). Like a alternative more, a reflector can be provided in the second end of a stand and a detector in, or integrated with, the transmitter. Suitable telemetry means of this type can include a laser, an infrared source, or an acoustic signal (including a radar).

Means for measuring elongation they can also be provided on the outside of the roof, by example if there is not enough space available within the cover. In the same way, it is possible to use means for measurement of elongation that give information on where the greater extension of the estay. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a fiber optic cable that is wound along the inside a branch of fibers. A type of fiber optic that is suitable for this purpose narrows in the area of a relatively large elongation. The position of this narrowing is detected as a part of the light pulse that is reflects in the area of narrowing.

Means for measuring elongation they can also be attached to the farm in alternative ways, by example by mechanical bonding, welding, or by means adhesives Although it is advantageous to install in all medium stays for measuring elongation, the invention already offers advantages if the means for measuring elongation are applied in a Stay, or similar components of the rig.

The tube-shaped cover can be designed with sections of different forms. The sleeve can be rounded, triangular, square, or with multiple corners. The shape of the section can also be made up of straight sections and curved

The joining means can be of different designs, for example in the shape of a projecting piece, that is housed by a complementary opening at or near the crosshead, the deck, or the mast.

This invention is not limited to superyachts. The invention according to the appended claims can be applied to any boat with stays and / or rigging components Similar.

Therefore, the invention offers the possibility of measuring the actual behavior of a sailboat rig and to prevent damage by using the measured data. Additionally, the measured data can be used to analyze the charges and damage cases retrospectively, to assess losses of insurers and to optimize future designs of the boats Measured data can be transferred to ground without time delays or periodically through communication wireless, but can also be checked later by duly authorized users.

Additionally, the invention provides stays relatively light resistant that are well protected against external influences and have a gleaming appearance.

Claims (6)

1. Measuring device (10) for controlling the rigging of a sailboat, characterized by the fact that it comprises means for measuring elongation (32) that are designed to be fixed to a stand (21). 2. Measuring device (10), according to the claim 1, wherein the means for measuring the Elongation (32) are connected to a process unit (12) via a data connection (16). 3. Measuring device (10), according to the claim 2, wherein the data connection is designed to pass through the mast (3) of the sailboat (1). 4. Measuring device (10) according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the process unit (12) is programmed to convert the measured elongation into a force. 5. Measuring device (10), according to one of the claims 1 to 4, provided with a storage unit of data (11). 6. Measuring device (10), according to one of the claims 1 to 5, provided with a transmission unit of wireless data (12).